OTB’s post China virus

[Zippychippy423]

I have watched my local OTB attendance drop significantly over the last 20 years. The first dramatic change was when Connecticut put in a no smoking ban. Then online betting grabbed a bunch of people which further reduced head count. As if things could not get any worse the q-tips that had been horse bettors for years started to kick the bucket. Keep in mind all of this went on without creating many new bettors at the OTB. Finally we now have the China virus. This will be the final nail in the coffin ( no disrespect to those who have passed on) to the OTB industry. The already poor attendance at most OTB’s will become virtual ghost towns as things open back up. It’s not that horse racing needs people to attend off track betting parlors to succeed I just find it depressing the dramatic drop of people that once filled my local OTB. No doubt there has been a cast of characters over the years in that place but it is still sad to see what will end up becoming a memory.

[Rabbi Of Racing]

97% of people that went to OTB'S are dead

[Zippychippy423]

The confirmed percentage at my local OTB is -86%. This is based on average attendance from 20 years ago. That is just crazy...for every hundred that attended back then in person has dropped to 14. What other venue in the world has had such a decrease? Other then a gambling venue.

[Harness Stats]

Out of curiosity Zippy are you referring to Teletheater OTBs or ones in Strip Malls?

[HornbyDuke]

Aren't the otbs just hanging out expecting they will get sports betting? They can't be making much money if any. Is usually also a big patronage bonanza for local politicians who like to place flunkies.

That's what they are: Flunky Mills.

[harnessplop]

Way easier express bet or other sites...no reason to go see losers. As to memories..times change always

[HornbyDuke]

Remember in the 70s and 80s they were wall to wall bettors.

The last one I was in a few yrs back had one guy other than the staff. The dude had one leg, was at the bar and  looked world war I service age.

[Harness Stats]

I used to go to one that was like a big movie theatre with a humongous screen.  Packed on the weekends .. even the crappy restaurant.  Then along care simulcasting and the big screen was replaced by a bunch of smaller ones and people were given their own monitors.  As a result pools were diluted and the ambience was gone.  I think the exodus at that place started then .. 

With todays technology there is no reason to go back now unless there is a race you want to bet on that your online platform doesn't support.

[BoKnows]

OTBs in NY takes out 5% on winning bets. Makes a tough game even tougher. Only reason to go there is to see all the screens at once, then use your phone to make online bets.

[Zippychippy423]

Out of curiosity Zippy are you referring to Teletheater OTBs or ones in Strip Malls?

Specifically I was talking about Bradley Teletheater and Sportshaven both in Connecticut. Regardless of the OTB I’m sure if they are still in the same spot from 20 years ago attendance is severely down.

[Zippychippy423]

Aren't the otbs just hanging out expecting they will get sports betting? They can't be making much money if any. Is usually also a big patronage bonanza for local politicians who like to place flunkies.

That's what they are: Flunky Mills.

I don’t think stand alone OTB’s have sports betting anywhere only those connected to a casino or racetrack.

[Calhoun]

Specifically I was talking about Bradley Teletheater and Sportshaven both in Connecticut. Regardless of the OTB I’m sure if they are still in the same spot from 20 years ago attendance is severely down.

SportsHaven is a true dump.  Never been to Bradley.

OTOH, the new place in Stamford, BV's  -- Bobby Valentine's place -- is new, clean and has a great restaurant and bar.  I'd guess only 5% of the people there are betting on horses.  Great atmosphere. 

It's also directly across from a church.  Just in case.

[HornbyDuke]

I don’t think stand alone OTB’s have sports betting anywhere only those connected to a casino or racetrack.

I believe your right.  But while they don't have sports betting now my guess is they are trying to hang on now hoping that States with sports gambling will eventually allow them to participate (take bets on sports).

Otherwise putting any $ in these places is essentially flushing it down the commode.

[Zippychippy423]

I believe your right.  But while they don't have sports betting now my guess is they are trying to hang on now hoping that States with sports gambling will eventually allow them to participate (take bets on sports).

Otherwise putting any $ in these places is essentially flushing it down the commode.
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IMO I don’t think taking on sports bets at an OTB is going to increase sit down and stay for a while type of attendance. Is there that many full service style OTB’s left with restaurant etc?

[HornbyDuke]

Could be. I'm just watching what develops with the large local one in Albany NY. It's called "Clubhouse Racebook" (love the name  ). Wonder if the same person that recommended calling Mohawk by the name woodbine at Mohawk.

Anyway, local is a large facility with bar and restaurant. Advertises to football fans in NFL season to come in. And has plenty of large screen TV's. Frankly nicer than sportsbook at Rivers Casino in Schenectady NY.

Just from observation I assumed they wanted to close a lot of satellite facilities and only have 1 or 2 main locations. And keep some Sam machines in local bars.